ASTM D4645-87(1997) - 10.5.1997
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the in-situ state of stress in rock by hydraulic fracturing.

Note 1-Hydraulic fracturing for stress determination is also referred to as hydrofracturing, and sometimes as minifracing. Hydraulic fracturing and hydrofracturing may also refer to fracturing of the rock by fluid pressure for the purpose of altering rock properties, such as permeability and porosity.

1.2 Hydraulic fracturing is the only widely accepted field method available for in situ stress measurements at depths greater than 50 m. It can be used in drill holes of any diameter.

1.3 Hydraulic fracturing can also be used in short holes for which other stress measuring methods, such as overcoring, are also available. The advantage of hydraulic fracturing is that it yields stresses averaged over a few square metres (the size of the induced hydraulic fracture) rather than over grain size areas, as in the case of overcoring techniques.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D2113-14

Standard Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site Exploration (Withdrawn 2023)

D6026-21

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data

D3740-26

Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D5079-25

Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core Samples

D653-26a

Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids (Includes all amendments and changes 6/15/2026).